3rd Gen Durango 2011+ models

New wheels, leveling kit and tires

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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 09:46 AM
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Ryan Albert's Avatar
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Thumbs up New wheels, leveling kit and tires

Hi,

I wanted to post some pics of my wheels, leveling kit and tires for anyone interested. First I installed a 1.75" leveling kit made by Rocky Road. The install was pretty simple and straight forward, I will mention though it does require cutting down your strut stud bolts. It does not say cutting is required on their site, but it is. Fortunately I have a cut off tool. As recommended I had my truck aligned immediately after I installed the kit and although I couldn't feel it, it was out. The wheels are OE Wheels LLC Jeep SRT8 replicas 20x9 in gloss black. The offset is 34. I went with 275/55/20 Falken Wildpeak AT tires. I'm very happy with the setup thus far. The ride is unchanged for the most part. There is a little bit of noise compared to the highway tires, as expected. The tires ride and sound very similar to the Terra Grapplers I had on my last truck. Clearance is not really an issue. As you can see in the pics at full lock it gets close. I can push back the felt liner and secure it, but have not as of yet because it has not been a problem. I also added a set of KC Hi Lites to the front brush guard. I have them wired to a three way switch so that I can have them off, on, or on with high beams. They make a big difference and around here help with seeing deer. I have them aimed to throw light slightly to the sides.

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(Not damage to the rim btw, it's paste for mounting)

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After the leveling kit, the top of the fender wells measure 34.75, which is almost a 2" different than the oem front measurements. I went from 7.5" clearance at lowest point (front lip) to 10". Those are pre-alignment measurements and also with stock wheels and tires. I now have about 11" clearance with new tires. I can park without scraping a parking bump!
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 09:52 AM
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Looks good. When you have a few minutes can you take a night shot of your headlights from the driver's seat? I'm curious as to the appearance of the light with the brush guard in place.

Up against a wall/garage and out on the open road would be awesome. Thanks.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 10:11 AM
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Wow, that looks really good.

What is the leveling kit?
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 10:27 AM
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I am not typically a fan of brush guards, but I'll be danged if that dont look good!
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 11:16 AM
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The grilles are removable, but have no effect on light output.

High beams
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Low beams and fogs
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KC HiLites
W/ low beams
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W/ high beams
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Alone
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 11:19 AM
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Thanks! The leveling kit is made by rocky road outfitters. It's for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but also fits the Durango.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 11:38 AM
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Nice job!
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 12:56 PM
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Looking great Ryan. Just what I was waiting to see. That tire size is perfect but I'm realizing there's no way I could fit a 275/60r20 without rubbing. I'll likely upgrade my Grapplers to the same size. Very nice and thanks for sharing.

Oh, one more thing, how's it been clearing curbs and parking bumps since installing the leveling kit?
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 12:59 PM
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That is great. Thanks for the pics.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 01:00 PM
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Thanks man! Hasn't been a problem now! Yeah the 275/60r20 would probably be an issue. I mean if I pulled the liners back and secured them that would free up another .5-1" of clearance at those points. I haven't bothered because it hasn't been a issue. Flex wont affect those spots either because you'll only have up and down movement, not front to back.
 
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